9 killed, 10 injured in Thane building collapse

Mumbai,July 29: A four-storeyed building collapsed near Thakurli in Thane district on Tuesday night trapping several people while 9 people have been declared dead.

The incident happened following heavy downpour in Mumbai. Rescue operations are underway.

According to Regional Disaster Management Committee (RDMC) chief Santosh Kadam, "The building 'Matru Chhaya' crashed at about 10.40 pm following heavy downpour. A massive relief and rescue operation has begun and so far three injured persons have been rescued and rushed to the hospital."

The RDMC Chief however refused to give away numbers of people feared dead.

"The exact number of persons trapped under the debris is yet to be ascertained," Kadam responded to queries.

Fire brigade teams from Thane, Kalyan, Bhiwandi, and Ambernath have been rushed to the site.

The fire brigade teams have been able to rescue 22 people so far, chief fire office Dilip Gund said.

"At least 15 people, including children, were still trapped under the rubble," he added.

The eyewitness said 15 families lived in the building, some of whom were evacuated before the building came down.

Heavy rains hampered relief and rescue efforts. Top police and civic officials were present on the spot.